The New South Wales Liquor & Gaming Authority (L&GNSW) has declared stricter enforcement measures for establishments that disregard the state’s updated regulations concerning gambling signage.
Beginning September 1st, New South Wales has prohibited external signs promoting gambling at venues. Internal signs, if visible from outside the building, are also forbidden.
These rules apply to pubs and clubs, encompassing fixed non-illuminated awning signs to digital video displays. Prohibited names include VIP rooms/lounges, gold rooms/lounges, players’ rooms/lounges, and prosperity rooms/lounges. Images of dragons, coins, or lightning patterns are also included in the prohibition.
Establishments that fail to remove the signs face penalties of up to $11,000 (GBP 5,767/EUR 6,730/USD 7,303) per violation. Those who fail to remove signs when requested will also face penalties of up to $11,000.
L&GNSW stated that 99% of venues in the state have adhered to the new rules and removed all signs. However, the regulator mentioned that it has taken action against some facilities that continue to display gambling-related signs.
Consequently, starting December 1st, L&GNSW has committed to taking heightened enforcement action against any venues that display illegal signs.
Authorities have declared that a strict approach marks the third and final phase of identifying compliance strategies.
The Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has taken steps to suppress rule-breaking conduct. The organization has highlighted a few instances, including two locations that were instructed to remove new signs that attempted to bypass the prohibition. These signs utilized imagery that was remarkably similar to the visuals employed on electronic gaming machines.
The Granville Royal Hotel utilized cartoon illustrations to promote the hotel’s eatery. However, L&GNSW asserted that these illustrations resembled those used in the “Cai’s Kingdom” electronic gaming machine. The establishment complied with the directive to remove the signs, but sought an independent Liquor & Gaming review of the decision.
In a separate case, the Cabramatta Stardust Hotel’s sign displayed an animated panda holding and consuming a branch or plant. Inspectors stated that this was comparable to the imagery utilized in the “Panda Magic” electronic gaming machine. Consequently, the licensee was issued a legal order to discontinue using the digital archway.
NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, stated, “Any signage that endeavors to circumvent the ban on gambling-related signage will encounter an intensified enforcement response.” “This encompasses using animations, symbols or characters associated with gambling, poker machine graphics or gambling franchises.”
Following the September prohibition, authorities responsible for liquor and gaming have carried out checks at more than 1,200 locations across 53 local administrative districts (including 19 regional administrative districts) in the state, accounting for over 55% of establishments with gaming machine permits. The inspections uncovered a 99% adherence rate for external gambling-related signs.
“By this point, venue managers should be fully informed of the regulations, and any unlawful signage should have been taken down. Eliminating these signs is just one crucial aspect of our dedication to gambling reform aimed at minimizing harm and addressing money laundering in New South Wales.”
New South Wales’ broader responsible gambling initiative
The removal of signage is part of a wider effort by New South Wales to enhance responsible gambling measures.
Since March, the New South Wales government has also lowered the cash deposit limit for all new poker machines from $5,000 to $500. This rule change took effect on July 1.
Meanwhile, the number of gaming machine licenses across the state has been reduced by approximately 3,000. Clubs that are prohibited from participating in gambling are now barred from making political contributions, and an independent body has been established to oversee the cashless gaming trial.
Moreover, New South Wales has announced a $100 million allocation to reduce gambling harm. A variety of programs will be funded by reallocating the $100 million penalty imposed on Star Entertainment Group in October 2022.
Casinos will face higher tax rates.
The New South Wales administration last month verified a rise in levies on Star City’s land-based gambling establishment. The administration reached a preliminary understanding during the summer for a shorter rate boost. These rates have now been finalized and will take effect on July 1st of this year.
The modifications include an increase in the discount gaming tax rate from 10.0% to 12.5% and the non-discount gaming tax rate from 17.91% to 20.25%.
The non-discount tax rate for slot machines (pokies) will currently stay the same at 20.91%. However, this will climb to 21.91% from July 1, 2024, and then to 22.91% from July 1, 2027.
From June 30, 2030, the tax rate will shift to a tiered structure. This, again, is in accordance with the previous administration’s suggestions.
Sign up for the iGaming newsletter.